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Israel Applies for U.N. Membership; U.S. Will Support It; Britain Will Not Use Veto

November 30, 1948
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On the first anniversary of the United Nations decision to partition Palestine into an independent Jewish and an independent Arab state, the Israeli Government today submitted its formal application for membership in the world body. The document was submitted by Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok to U.N. Secretary-General Trygve Lie. The text of the application, signed by Shertok, follows:

“On May 14, 1948 the independence of the state of Israel was proclaimed by the National Council of the Jewish people of Palestine by virtue of the natural and historic right of the Jewish people to independence in their own sovereign state and in pursuance of the General Assembly resolution of November 29. Since that date Israel has been consolidated administratively and has defended itself successfully against aggression by neighboring states. It so far has achieved recognition from 19 powers.

“In behalf of the Government of Israel I now have the honor to request the admission of Israel as a member of the United Nations according to Article IV of the Charter.

“In view of the special nature of this application I will request that its consideration proceed without regard for the deadline fixed by Rule 60, Paragraphs 1-4, but in conformity with Paragraph 5 of the same Rule 60 of the Provisional Rules of Procedure of the Security Council. A formal declaration that the Government of Israel accepts all the obligations stipulated in the United Nations Charter is enclosed.

“My Government submits that Israel’s admission to the United Nations will constitute an act of international justice for the Jewish people fully consistent with United Nations policy on Palestine and will contribute to the stabilization of the Middle East and the cause of international peace,”

ISRAEL UNRESERVEDLY ACCEPTS OBLIGATIONS OF U.N. CHARTER

The enclosure filed with the application states: “In behalf of the state of Israel I, Moshe Shertok, Minister for Foreign Affairs, declare that the state of Israel hereby unreservedly accepts the obligations of the United Nations Charter and undertakes to honor them from the day when it becomes a member of the United Nations.”

A British spokesman today announced that his delegation will not use the veto to block the Israeli application to the Security Council. An American spokesman said the United States will definitely support the application when it comes before the Council. The decision to submit the document today was made at a meeting this morning of the entire Israeli delegation, including Minister to the U.S.S.R. Golda Moirson, who arrived here last week.

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